Uconn Suspends Walker

Toraino Walker of Orlando was indefinitely suspended Thursday from the University of Connecticut's basketball team for missing four practices since Monday without an excuse.

Walker had been benched late in the Huskies' opening game Saturday, a 73-69 loss to Purdue.

Barbara Walker, Toraino's mother, who lives in Orlando, said Thursday night that her son is still living in his apartment in Nanfield, Conn., near the campus in Storrs. Telephone calls to his apartment were unanswered.

''I don't know where he is,'' Huskies coach Jim Calhoun said. ''I had heard he's gone back to Orlando, gone to Tampa and other crazy things, but at this point in time, he's still part of the team.''

Barbara Walker said her son expects to rejoin the 25th-ranked team after its game Saturday against North Carolina State.

Calhoun said Walker, a 6-foot-7 forward, will not play Saturday.

Walker, 22, attended Jones High School before going to Oak Hill Academy and eventually Connecticut. A senior and team co-captain, he was expected to be the Huskies' leading rebounder this season.

Against Purdue, Walker played poorly, with five points and six rebounds in 32 minutes. Calhoun took him out of the game with 24 seconds left and the Huskies losing by five. The two were seen arguing, although Calhoun said the exchange was ''not an argument.''